Trooping the Colour rehearsals continue with the Brigade Major’s (Lt. Col Shaw) Review this week.
Hundreds of Household division including the Household Cavalry Regiments and King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery Regiment took to central London’s Horse Guards Parade square yesterday (1 June 2023).
Members of the Household Division took to Horseguards Parade square for the he first of many rehearsals for the King’s Birthday Parade.
Every year, Soldiers from the Household Division put on a show-stopping performance in honour of the King’s birthday. The rehearsals for this grand parade take place in Central London, with marching bands and Mounted Regiments filling the parade square.
It’s a spectacle to behold, attracting crowds from far and wide who come to witness the precision and skill that goes into each step.
The King’s Birthday is a significant event for the Household Division, and they take it very seriously. It’s an opportunity to showcase their skills and precision in front of thousands of people who come from all over the world.
On this day, the entire division come together to put on a spectacular show that includes everything from marching bands to Horseguards. The parade itself is an awe-inspiring sight, with soldiers and guards dressed immaculately in their ceremonial uniforms.
It’s not just about entertainment either; there’s a sense of duty and honour that runs through every aspect of this event.
Every year, everyone involved works tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that everything goes smoothly on the day. In many ways, it reflects the values that have been instilled within these regiments since their inception – dedication, discipline, loyalty. So, when you attend one of these events, you’re not just watching a parade; you’re witnessing centuries-old traditions being carried forward into modern times.
The official display of pageantry will take place on Saturday 17th June by Regiments of the Household Division, on Horse Guards Parade, with His Majesty The King attending and taking the salute.
His Majesty King Charles III will hold the appointment of Colonel-in-Chief of the Regiments of Household Division. Each Regiment has a Colonel who is normally either a member of the Royal Family or a senior officer.
There are three newly appointed Colonels within the Foot Guards, announced last month:
- Colonel, Grenadier Guards – The Queen Consort
- Colonel, Welsh Guards – The Prince of Wales
- Colonel, Irish Guards – The Princess of Wales
There will be no change to the existing Colonelcies of the other Regiments within the Household Division, which will remain as below:
- Colonel, Blue and Royals – The Princess Royal
- Colonel, Scots Guards – The Duke of Kent
- Colonel, Life Guards – Lieutenant General Sir Ed Smyth-Osbourne
- Colonel, Coldstream Guards – Lieutenant General Sir James Bucknall
The Trooping of the Colour has marked the official birthday of the British Sovereign for over 260 years. 2023 will mark His Majesty King Charles III’s first Trooping of the Colour as Sovereign.
Over 1,400 parading soldiers, 200 horses and 400 musicians come together each June in a great display of military precision, horsemanship and fanfare to mark The King’s official birthday.
The parade moves from Buckingham Palace and down The Mall to Horse Guard’s Parade, alongside Members of the Royal Family on horseback and in carriages.
The display closes with an RAF fly-past, watched by Members of the Royal Family from Buckingham Palace balcony.
